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Tom Reed,who previously covered the Blue Jackets for The Dispatch, is back after a five-year absence while working for the newspaper in that city up north: Cleveland. Follow him on Twitter at @treed1919

Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma was named head coach of Team USA last month.

"I was asked if this was a goal of mine a little bit earlier," Richards said. "It wasnt' so much a goal as it was a dream. You set goals to attain them. I didn't know if coaching in the Olympics was something I'd ever achieve."

Richards, from Crystal Lake, Minn., has been close with Bylsma since the two worked together from 2006-08 in the Penguins organization. Bylsma replaced Richards as coach of the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Sranton, Pa., in 2009 when Richards left to join the San Jose Sharks.

He also coached in the Nashville Predators' organization - head coach, AHL Milwaukee Admirals -- under Predators GM David Poile, who is GM of Team USA.

Jul 22, 2013

Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson was among 48 players invited today to the United States' Olympic camp in August.

It will be a surprise if Johnson doesn't make it, as he's represented the Red, White and Blue in international competition for most of the last decade: the 2010 Olympics, five World Championships, two World Juniors, and some others.

In six games during the 2010 Olympics, Johnson played in six games and had 0-1-1 with a plus-2 rating.

Playing in the Olympics is a supreme honor for any athlete; playing in an Olympics hosted by your country is beyond a dream for most.

Bobrovsky, who has been fueled early in his career by slights and snubs, is the likely starter for Russia. The other goaltenders invited to Russia's camp: Evgeni Nabokov of the New York Islanders, Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche, Konstantin Barulin of the KHL's AK Bars, and Vasily Kosheckin of the KHL's Severstal Cherepovets.

Jul 19, 2013

The benefits of the Blue Jackets’ move to the Eastern Conference became tangible today when the NHL released its 2013-14 schedule.

Ease of travel. Natural rivalries. A new division. The return of Rick Nash, the one-time captain and franchise cornerstone, now playing – like so many other former Jackets – for the New York Rangers. All are a part of the Blue Jackets’ new reality after spending the first 12 seasons in the Western Conference.

Part of the NHL's announcement today was that the newly-formed division -- with Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington -- will be named the Metropolitan Division.

The Blue Jackets will open their 13th season on Oct. 4, a 7 p.m. game in Nationwide Arena against a familiar foe, the Calgary Flames. What follows over the course of an 82-game season, however, is far different than previous seasons, when the Blue Jackets – as the Eastern-most team in the Western Conference – faced a travel hardship beyond what most clubs could comprehend.

The Blue Jackets will play only 14 games outside the Eastern Time Zone this season, compared with 29 games in 2011-12, the last full season. They’ll make only two trips to the Pacific Time Zone this season, instead of four or five.

Jul 17, 2013

Blue Jackets right winger Nathan Horton had shoulder surgery this morning in Boston, the club announced, repairing a chronically injured left shoulder that was dislocated during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final vs. Chicago.

Horton had the surgery done by Dr. Jon Warner at the Boston Shoulder Institute at Masschusetts General Hospital.

“Nathan’s surgery went very well and he is expected to make a full recovery after completing his rehabilitation program,” Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said.

The typical recovery for an injury of this extent is 4 to 6 months, meaning Horton would be likely to return anywhere between mid-November and mid-January.

Horton signed a seven-year, $37.1 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 5, the first day of NHL free agency.

-- Aaron Portzline

aportzline@dispatch.com

twitter: @aportzline

Posted by Aaron Portzline on Jul 17, 2013

Jul 16, 2013

The NHL hopes to release its league-wide schedule on Wednesday, but the key word attached to that plan is "tentative." It's always a big day when the league releases the 1,230-game slate, but there's more riding this year than ever.

Believe it or not, the NHL has publicly confirmed its participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Yes, Team USA has already announced its GM (David Poile, Nashville) and coach (Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh), and there's no way those guys would be planning to take off for Russia if an NHL season was ongoing. But, the NHL hasn't formally announced its plans.

Once the schedule comes out, the NHL's participation will be revealed because there will be a 16-day break in the middle of the season.

Jul 16, 2013

One day after his retirement as an NHL player became public via a breathtaking ESPN article, Blake Geoffrion has begun his post-playing career by joining the Blue Jackets as a pro scout.

The Blue Jackets also announced the hiring of Bob Halkidis as pro scout and Marshall Davidson as amateur scout.

Geoffrion, 25, suffered a depressed skull fracture while playing for the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs on Nov. 9, 2012. He has not skated competitively since, and was told by doctors he should not play again.

"It's definitely tough to think about never playing again," Geoffrion said. "But it's bittersweet, because I'm excited about this, the next chapter, the next opportunity. I can't wait to get started. I've always followed depth charts, and I've always kept track of the players in this league, what they can and can't do. It's definitely a passion of mine, and I'm excited to join the Blue Jackets."

Geoffrion's grandfather was Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion; his great grandfather was Howie Morenz, both NHL Hall of Famers. In 55 NHL games with Nashville and Montreal, Blake Geoffrion had 8-5-13.

Jul 15, 2013

Defenseman David Savard has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets, the club announced. He is likely targeted for a fourth season with AHL Springfield, but will be on the short-list of call-ups to the Blue Jackets if a wave of injuries strikes.

Savard, 22, was a third-round pick (No. 94 overall) in 2009. In four games for Columbus last season, Savard had no points and a minus-3 rating. With the minor-league club in Springfield, he had 5-26-31 and a plus-12 rating in 60 games.

So far in his career, Savard has struggled to secure a spot on the Blue Jackets' defense. Last season, ...

Jul 11, 2013

The Blue Jackets' development camp ended today for skaters with the dreaded skating tests. Split into two groups, goaltenders included, the players were put through grueling skating drills to measure their endurance, strength and acceleration.

It's a good day to be a fan or a sports writer.

"Yeah, it gets to the end there and you're legs are so heavy it feels like you can't get moving," said center Alex Wennberg, the Blue Jackets' No. 14 overall pick late last month. "But it was good. Not as bad as the (NHL scouting) combine, because I've done this drill before, so you know what to expect."

Players will get their "numbers" and go over the details before they leave.

"I feel like I did better than I've ever done," said Boone Jenner, who is taking part in his third developement camp. "But it's kind of cool to compare what you've done in previous years, see where you've gotten better and where you still need the work."

Jul 10, 2013

Trent Vogelhuber has played a grand total of 63 pro hockey games, but this week, at development camp, he is the most grizzled of veterans.

Vogelhuber, a seventh-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2007 and four-year letterwinner at Miami University, is attending his sixth consecutive development camp. The Dublin product has participated every July since 2008. The camp, conducted in part to introduce teenage prospects to pro hockey, isn’t really designed for older players such as Vogelhuber, who will turn 25 on Saturday.

But Vogelhuber, who spent his first full year as a pro with AHL Springfield and ECHL Evansville last season, happily accepted his invitation.

“My job is hockey,” he said. “I can’t complain about that, no matter what the level.”

Jul 9, 2013

The Blue Jackets had 29 prospects on the ice today for the start of development camp. The 70-minute practice was full of fast-pace drills, and it ended with a bang. Literally.

Defenseman Ilari Melart (6-4, 228) pasted Oliver Bjorkstrand (5-11, 157) into the wall on a 3-on-3 drill, bringing the loudest cheer of the day from the crowd. Bjorkstrand, the No. 89 pick in New Jersey last month, got up quickly and showed no ill effects.

"I think everybody smiled when they saw and heard that hit," said Springfield coach Brad Larsen, who is coaching the prospects. "Well, except one kid."

This is what development camp is -- a series of drills and competitive scrimmages, off-ice seminars and meetings and team meals, all meant to build camraderie and give the young ones an idea of what life in the NHL would be like.

It's very difficult to evaluate anybody, because 1) they're practice drills, and 2) the range of age is dramatic. There are 25 years old (Melart and others) who have played pro hockey for a few years, and there are teenagers who have been Blue Jackets for less than two weeks.

Jul 8, 2013

The Blue Jackets hired former NHL defenseman Ville Siren as head amateur scout yesterday, making him the latest to leave the St. Louis Blues for the Jackets. Siren spent the last nine years as a scout for the Blues, most of those under the direction of Jarmo Kekalainen, who is now the Blue Jackets general manager.

The Blue Jackets also hired former NHL defenseman Josef Boumedienne as an amateur scout in Europe.

“Ville and Josef bring extensive knowledge and experience to our scouting department,” Kekalainen said in a statement. “Both had long and successful playing careers in North America and Europe, and Ville has scouted extensively all over the world for the past 10 years. We believe they will be outstanding additions to our organization.”

Just last week the Blue Jackets parted way with Tyler Wright, who had been co-director of amateur scouting. Wright was offered a “different role within the organization,” Kekalainen said, and he opted to leave rather than accept it.

-- Aaron Portzline

aportzline@dispatch.com

twitter: aportzline

Posted by Aaron Portzline on Jul 8, 2013

Jul 8, 2013

Thirty-one players, including all eight of those drafted by the Blue Jackets last week, will participate in the team’s summer development camp beginning Tuesday in the Ice Haus. (Yes, it’s open to the public. Yes, it’s free).

Jul 7, 2013

The Blue Jackets continued fortifying their minor-league club in Springfield, signing defenseman Frederic St. Denis to a one-year, two-way contract today.

St. Denis, 27, has spent the last four seasons in the Montreal Canadiens organization, mostly with AHL Hamilton. In 263 games with the Bulldogs during that span, he had 19-69-88 and a plus-27 rating. He played 17 games in the NHL with Montreal, totaling 1-2-3 with a plus-3 rating.

The 5-11, 192-pound defenseman competed in the AHL All-Star Game in 2011-12 and was named the Bulldogs’ Top Defenseman for 2010-11.

-- Aaron Portzline

aportzline@dispatch.com

twitter: @aportzline

Posted by Aaron Portzline on Jul 7, 2013

Jul 6, 2013

The Blue Jackets have signed center Jack Skille to a one-year, two-way contract, a depth move that will likely provide a big boost to the Jackets' minor-league affiliated in Springfield, Mass. The signing was first reported by TSN; the Blue Jackets have not yet confirmed the signing.

Skille, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft, has spent the last three seasons in the NHL, with Chicago and Florida. Last season, in 40 games with the Panthers, the 26-year-old had three goals, nine assists, 11 penalty minutes and a minus-9 rating.

In 178 career NHL games, he has 20 goals, 29 assists, 73 penalty minutes and a minus-32 rating.

Earlier today, the Blue Jackets signed defenseman Patrick McNeill to a one-year, two-way contract. MacNeill, 26, was a fourth-round pick (No. 118 overall of Washington in the 2005 draft, and has spent his entire career in the Capitals' organization.

He has spent the last six seasons as a point-producing defenseman in the AHL, but has never played a game in the NHL.

-- Aaron Portzline

aportzline@dispatch.com

twitter: @aportzline

Posted by Aaron Portzline on Jul 6, 2013

Jul 6, 2013

The Blue Jackets' signing of free agent winger Nathan Horton on Friday pushed their salary cap number for the 2013-14 season up to $66.1 million, roughly $1.8 million above the NHL's salary cap. Those numbers are stunning -- only reckless Philadelphia, at $68.1 million, has a higher number -- but they deserve some explanations.

First off, the Blue Jackets are not "over" the salary cap. The $66.1 million number is deceiving. They actually have roughly $2.7 million available to spend under the cap, which is why they're considering re-signing Vinny Prospal or adding another free agent for a modest salary in the coming weeks.

Here's why:

The $66.1 million figure represents a figure that includes three players on entry-level contracts whose cap hits are inflated by performance bonuses. Defensemen Ryan Murray ($2.6M in potential bonuses) and Tim Erixon ($850,000), and forward Ryan Johansen ($1.075M) all have significant bonuses written into their contracts. They total $4.525 million. That's money beyond their base pay.

Now, that $4.525 million counts against the salary cap figure until such time that the players are mathematically eliminated from achieving the bonuses. But ... the NHL salary cap has an allowance in this new collective bargaining agreement that allows teams to go over the salary cap because of performance bonuses, a little breathing room.

Jul 5, 2013

The Blue Jackets may have benefitted greatly from the NHL's two-day "recruiting" window before free agency opened at noon today. Nathan Horton, who was looking for a quieter, more spacious city to call home, traveled to Columbus on Wednesday, took a 36-hour of the city and started to get a vibe for the place.

"It felt like home right away," Horton said.

It will be. For at least the next seven years.

Horton signed a seven-year, $37.1 million contract with the Blue Jackets, the largest contract handed out today in a hectic first-day of free agency.

"I’m thankful for my opportunity in Boston. Very thankful," said Horton, who played in two Stanley Cup finals in three seasons with the Bruins. "I met a lot great people, had great teammates, had a great time there. I just think, to be in a city like this is a great opportunity for me and my family ... to be able to be in a house, be a little bit more quiet. That’s what we were looking for. The opportunity for that is here.

"This feels like home. They even have Tim Horton's here."

Horton's deal will pay him $5 million this coming season, then $6 million ...

Jul 5, 2013

The Blue Jackets have landed arguably the biggest free agent in franchise history, signing forward Nathan Horton to a seven-year contract today, The Dispatch has learned.

Horton, the No. 3 ranked free agent available according to TSN, is a quintessential power forward, able to play center or right wing with a large frame (6-3, 230) and a forceful style of play.

The Blue Jackets, under first-year general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, were very aggressive in pursuing Horton, welcoming him to town for at least a one-day visit this week so he could get a taste of the city and its neighborhood.

Horton fits the two needs the Blue Jakets have defined since last season ended only one point short of the Stanley Cup playoffs: a scoring forward who could boost their offense and maintain the forceful, energetic style of play that emerged during a 19-5-5 run to finish the season.

One drawback: He could miss the first two or three months of the season (at least) after suffering a dislocated shoulder during the Stanley Cup playoffs. His former club, the Boston Bruins, lost in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jul 5, 2013

NEW YORK (July 5, 2013) -- The National Hockey League today released a list of players who are restricted free agents under Group 2, unrestricted free agents under Group 3 and Group 6 and unrestricted free agents by virtue of not receiving a qualifying offer.

Some of these players may recently have signed with their respective Clubs; however, their contracts had not yet been filed with the League.

FREE AGENTS SUBJECT TO COMPENSATION AND RIGHT TO MATCH - GROUP 2

The players listed below have been tendered a qualifying offer by their respective Clubs and are subject to draft-choice compensation and right to match. The draft choice compensation scale is based on compensation offered by the new Club:

Jul 5, 2013

The Blue Jackets are hoping to be big players today when NHL free agency dawns at noon. They have targeted two players -- Nathan Horton of the Boston Bruins and David Clarkson of the New Jersey Devils -- who are among the best players available.

Horton visited Columbus on Wednesday. (Actually, he may have spent a few days in Columbus, but only Wednesday with the Blue Jackets.) He is believed to be target No. 1, a power forward with two trips to the Stanley Cup Final on his resume. However, he won't be ready for training camp and possibly the first couple months of the season because he needs shoulder surgery.

Clarkson's visit to Columbus was reported this morning by TSN's Bob McKenzie. Neither the Blue Jackets nor Clarkson's agent, Pat Morris, would confirm the visit to The Dispatch, but McKenzie is the gold standard in NHL scoops. Believe it.

The Blue Jackets are intent on landing an impactful forward, be it Horton or Clarkson, but they won't come cheap. Both players will command six or more years and upwards of $6 million per season.

Jul 3, 2013

Forward Nathan Horton, one of the top NHL free agents available this summer, was in Columbus today to visit with the Blue Jackets and tour Nationwide Arena, The Dispatch has learned.

The Blue Jackets were among the first NHL clubs to take advantage of a two-day window in which players can visit and negotiate with clubs. The two sides can agree to terms, but no contracts can be signed until Friday.

Horton's agent, Paul Krepelka, confirmed that Horton was in Columbus today and will leave tomorrow morning. He did not want to comment further.

The Blue Jackets apparently wanted first dibs at Horton, it only makes sense.

Horton, 6-2, 230 pounds, is a power forward in the classic sense. He plays a rough-and-tumble game that could give the Blue Jackets the scoring boost they desperately want, while maintaining their competitive, hard-to-play-against club that emerged late last season.

In 591 NHL games with Boston (169) and Florida (422), Horton has 198 goals ...

Jul 3, 2013

-- As of midnight last night, the Blue Jackets and all NHL clubs could begin wooing free agents. This will not be a "pro recruiting" spectacle like it is in the NBA, but the next two days will involve teams trying to impress the big-ticket players into paying a visit and, ultimately, signing a contract. No contracts can be signed until Friday, but they can be agreed upon in advance.

-- The Blue Jackets are looking for one scoring forward. The resigning of Blake Comeau (1 year, $1 million) on Monday fills out the candidates for the bottom two lines. Now it's time to work on the top six, and it almost boils down to being this simple: if the Blue Jackets land a free agent, it's highly unlikely Vinny Prospal will return. If they swing and they miss, maybe they turn their eyes back to Prospal. But it's important to remember that Prospal is an unrestricted free agent. He wants to stay in Columbus. But, if he gets an NHL offer from another club, pretty sure he won't pass. Not at this juncture.

-- Who's on the list? Well, a large line forms behind David Clarkson, a late-blooming power forward. He reportedly is looking for $6 million per season on a very long-term contract, which might be too right for most teams. Not that they aren't willing to spend that kind of money -- c'mon, it's pro sports! -- but they might not deem Clarkson to be worth it. He came into the league as a fighter, found his scoring touch in year three and scored 30 goals one season ago. Teams know they're getting "tough," but who can say what kind of production they're getting? Is the 30-goal outburst an anomaly?

Jul 2, 2013

The Blue Jackets have signed winger Blake Comeau to a one-year contract extension worth $1 million. Acquired at the April 3 trade deadline, Comeau had 2-3-5, six penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating with Columbus in the season's final months.

“Blake is a dependable two-way forward who combines physical play with ability in the offensive zone,” Blue Jakets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. “We liked what we saw from him at the end of last season as he fit in very well with our team and we’re pleased to have signed him to this extension.”

More to follow.

-- Aaron Portzline

aportzline@dispatch.com

twitter: @aportzline

Posted by Aaron Portzline on Jul 2, 2013

Jul 2, 2013

The Blue Jackets' annual development camp for prospects will run July 9-13 in OhioHealth Ice Haus, attached to Nationwide Arena, the club announced today. All eight of the club's draft picks on Sunday, as well as top prospects Ryan Murray (D) and Boone Jenner (C) will participate.

Jul 1, 2013

Only hours after completing his second draft as the Blue Jackets' co-director of amateur scouting, Tyler Wright is moving on from the NHL club he's known both as a player and an executive.

Sources told The Dispatch that Wright was offered a different role within the organization either Sunday after the draft or early today, but declined to accept a new role. He had been a member of the Blue Jackets' hockey operations staff for six years, the last two as co-director of amateur scouting with Paul Castron.

"Tyler has done a lot for this organization, both as a player and in the front office," Kekalainen said. "These aren't easy decisions. But he had to do what he felt was best for him, and so he made the decision."

Wright has not returned messages from The Dispatch seeking comment. He did issue a statement through the club.

“Leaving the organization was a difficult decision, but I feel that it is the right time for me to move on. I have a great deal of respect for the McConnell family (ownership), the Blue Jackets and all of the people I have worked with over the years and have nothing but great memories about my time with the organization.”

Wright was a key part of the scrappy, inaugural team in 2000. His passionate ...

Jul 1, 2013

It's official: the Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a two-year, $11.25 million contract. The deal, which carries a $5.625 salary cap, was signed, sealed and delivered this morning after 3 1/2 months of negotiating.

"It's a relief, absolutely," Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He's a great goalie. We need a great goalie. Every team that wants to have success needs a great goalie."

Contract talks seemed on the verge of turning ugly during the day on Saturday, but much progress was made through the night and into the late morning Sunday. The Dispatch reported shortly after noon that the two sides had agreed to terms.

The signing of Bobrovsky now gives the Blue Jackets a clear picture of their budget heading into free agency. After holding on to all their picks at Sunday's NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets will attempt to boost their offense by adding a scoring forward.

Jul 1, 2013

A capsulized look at the eight players selected by the Blue Jackets today:

C Alexander Wennberg

Pick: First round, No. 14

Vitals: 6-1, 190 (shoots left)

Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden

Last season: 14 goals and 18 assists in 46 games for Djurgarden of the Swedish second division

The skinny: Playmaking forward who can play all three positions with skill, speed and savvy. … Not the strongest or most physical of forwards but is an impressive finisher. … Projected as a pure offensive forward who expects to play in the Swedish Elite League this season if he does not make the team out of training camp. …Led Djurgardens with four game-winning goals last season. … Ranked No. 5 among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

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